Finding and Choosing a Contractor

Once you have decided to renovate and know, or at least have a good idea of, what you want, choosing a contractor or renovator is a crucial decision. It’s not something you should rush into.

The contractor you hire should have the technical, business and interpersonal skills, the tools and the experience needed to do the job you want done. At the first meeting, some may give you a rough estimate of costs, depending on the project’s scope and complexity. The first meeting is usually more to get to know the contractor and the contractor’s work. Unless you have been able to check out the contractor ahead of time you should not sign anything or pay anything at this stage.

You want to find out as much as you can, so ask a lot of questions, such as:

What work are you, or your subcontractors licensed to do?

What kind of work do you specialize in?

Have you done a similar job before?

How and when do you clean up, particularly fine dust?

What work schedule will you follow?

Will you take out all required permits (e.g., building, plumbing, electrical)?